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Tributes to Michael Jackson Flow on 10th Death Anniversary

Associated Press

   LOS ANGELES - Michael Jackson's estate paid tribute to his artistry and
   charity Tuesday as fans make final preparations for gatherings to
   celebrate his memory on the 10th anniversary of the King of Pop's
   death.
   ``Ten years ago today, the world lost a gifted artist and extraordinary
   humanitarian,'' the Jackson estate said in a statement to The
   Associated Press. ``A decade later, Michael Jackson is still with us,
   his influence embedded in dance, fashion, art and music of the moment.
   He is more important than ever.''
   The estate has doggedly worked to protect and enhance Jackson's legacy,
   a task made more challenging this year when two men accused Jackson of
   molesting them as boys in the HBO documentary ``Leaving Neverland,''
   sparking new scrutiny of years-old claims that Jackson preyed on
   children. Jackson was acquitted of abuse allegations in 2005 and always
   vehemently denied such allegations, and the estate and his family
   angrily refuted the men's claims when the documentary was released in
   March, noting the men had at one time been among Jackson's biggest
   defenders and one testified on his behalf at his criminal trial.

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